I have had a website up since the late 90’s. No this site. But a site of one type or another. I posted my thoughts, my lit, my art. The social sites appeared and my sites languished. I contributed a little to the networks, but mostly lurked. Eventually, I figured out that my contributions to the networks were just more noise. And then I watched the noise become sludge. I’ve since deleted most of my social IDs.
Now, in this world where the social networks are weaponized and monetized, I just want to put out something good, personal, and mine. I don’t want what is here to become part of the noise. It should be its own tune. You will either like it or not. Maybe some of it will appeal enough to warrant skimming through the posts. I don’t know. I don’t even know if I care what you think.
What I do know is that the internet town squares are full of thinkers, teachers, humorists, and artists. All are shouting, “Here’s my thing. See it. Enjoy it. Discuss it.” Meanwhile, ten thousand insufferable fools and intentionally ignorant people shout louder. They get the clicks. They get the eyes. They mock the good and beautiful. It’s corrosive to community. It’s painful to watch.
I choose to walk away from all that. Build my own house. Fill it with the things I want to share and invite people to look. I’ll be better for it. We will all be better for it.
